France Galop to remove gallop racing from 25 racetracks by 2027

France Galop has announced a major restructuring plan that will eliminate gallop racing at 25 provincial racetracks starting in 2027. The decision affects mixed-use tracks that currently host both trot and gallop racing. Additionally, 13 other racetracks will be forced to specialize in either flat racing or obstacle racing.

The reform is driven by budgetary pressures and a decline in betting revenue. France Galop relies on the Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) for 90% of its income, a sector facing challenges from an aging betting public and increased competition from sports betting. The French government had previously requested that PMU parent companies reduce costs and identify alternative revenue streams.

France Galop aims to save approximately 2.5 million euros annually by reducing organizational costs and concentrating racing at tracks that generate higher betting volumes. While the organization views this as a necessary step to stabilize its financial structure and preserve the long-term model, the move has caused significant concern among local officials and parliamentarians, with some fearing the total closure of certain sites.